Tuesday 20 December 2011

Dreamland Adventure at The Blakehay Theatre, Weston




Today, Dreamland Adventure, a pantomime for 2 to 7 year olds, began its five-day residence at the Blakehay Theatre in Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare.

The buzz could be felt all over the Theatre: the festive Brandon Trust-run cafĂ© serving drinks and snacks, the Blakehay staff dressed in nightwear in honour of the show, while mums, dads, grandmothers and children got arty in the upstairs' studio.  The kids made some fabulous pictures to adorn the stage, using a wide range of materials and very little instruction – it’s amazing to see how imaginations go into full swing when we’re given reign to do nothing else but create!

After two hours of non-stop making, we headed to the auditorium for the 2pm showing of Dreamland Adventure, an interactive and well-thought out show by The Big Act, a Bristol-based theatre production and training company.  Elf Number 1 has to find his way back to the North Pole to get our presents ready or else Christmas will be cancelled and we, the boys and girls, have to help him, shouting, screaming, waving, clapping and singing our way through his myriad adventures.

Elf Number 1, gleefully played by Martin Williams, gets the whole audience going as they squeal with delight, joining him on his travels.  And on-stage he is accompanied by one of two Weston schoolgirls, Courtnei Danks and Nina Halper.  Today, Courtnei was our young actress, who played the part with gusto and professionalism, showing us her dance moves and acting abilities, an inspiration to all young spectators.

Holly Sands is fun in her role of jungle native, pirate, sea creature and Elf Number Two, an actress with a sweet, strong singing voice and a command of the stage, particularly in her pirate role, when she invites us all to be her crew.

The show is fast-paced and short enough to hold the attention of even the youngest theatre goer.  The set is simple but effective and the projected images convincing and easy to understand.  There is also snow and a visit from a very special person, as Elf Number 1 finally finds his way home!

Dreamland Adventure is showing until Saturday 24th December and Weston-super-Mum will be running free art workshops every day from 12 till 2pm.  The kids are welcome to take their pieces home or leave them on the stage for everyone to enjoy and add to.

Recommended!

Buy tickets for Dreamland Adventure here or at the Blakehay Theatre Box Office.


The Big Act's website



- by Becky

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